FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb
Space-optimised fighter developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Core Block System of the RX-78GP01Fb Gundam.
The FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb was a space-optimised fighter developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Core Block System of the RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern. It was an extensively modified version of the FF-XII Core Fighter II.
History
The FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb was created when rookie pilot Kou Uraki caused serious damage to the ground-configured RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes during space combat. This necessitated that Anaheim Electronics upgrade both the mobile suit and its Core Fighter II for optimal space performance.
The Core Fighter IIFb rolled out on 4 November UC 0083 and was first deployed the same day. When the Albion docked at the Anaheim Electronics facility at Von Braun city on the moon, the RX-78GP01 received a complete overhaul. As part of this upgrade programme, the heavily damaged FF-XII Core Fighter II received a major redesign to become the FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb.
The new fighter was specifically optimised for space operations, with significant modifications to enhance its performance in zero-gravity environments. The Core Fighter IIFb served as the cockpit and escape system for the upgraded RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern throughout the remainder of Operation Stardust.
The Core Fighter IIFb and GP01Fb were later destroyed alongside the RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Physalis following an intense final battle between Kou Uraki and Zeon ace Anavel Gato.
Design
The FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb represented a significant departure from conventional atmospheric fighter design, being specifically optimised for space combat operations. The most dramatic change from the original FF-XII Core Fighter II was the removal of wings, which were deemed unnecessary for zero-gravity environments.
In place of the wings, the Core Fighter IIFb featured large swivelling booster pods that functioned as the main thrusters for the RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern. These booster pods also housed supplementary propellant tanks, significantly extending the operational range and endurance of both the Core Fighter and the Full Burnern configuration.
The Core Fighter IIFb was larger than its predecessor, measuring 15.6 metres in overall length with a width of 14.3 metres. Despite the increased dimensions, the removal of atmospheric flight components and the addition of space-optimised systems resulted in a maximum gross weight of 22.6 metric tons. The fighter retained the Luna Titanium alloy construction of its predecessor for optimal protection and structural integrity.
Performance
The Core Fighter IIFb featured a significantly upgraded powerplant compared to the original Core Fighter II. The Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor was uprated to produce 2,045 kW, representing a substantial increase in available power for systems operation and weaponry.
Propulsion was provided by four rocket thrusters with a total output of 180,000 kg of thrust (45,000 kg each). This massive increase in thrust capability—more than double that of the original Core Fighter II—provided exceptional acceleration and manoeuvrability in space operations. The enhanced propulsion system gave the Core Fighter IIFb the speed and mobility of a high-performance space fighter whilst maintaining its primary role as a mobile suit cockpit.
Armaments
The Core Fighter IIFb retained the twin beam gun armament of its predecessor, with two beam guns mounted on the fighter. These weapons provided effective anti-fighter capability and could engage light enemy units effectively. The beam guns were powered directly by the upgraded fusion reactor, ensuring sustained combat capability.
Unlike the atmospheric-optimised Core Fighter II, the IIFb variant did not carry beam sabers in flight configuration, as these were integrated into the Full Burnern mobile suit configuration. When the Core Fighter functioned as the cockpit of the GP01Fb, the beam sabers were reconfigured to serve as low-energy beam guns, providing additional defensive capability.
Known pilots
- Kou Uraki
- Nina Purpleton
- Dick Allen
Behind the scenes
The FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb was designed by Shoji Kawamori as part of the space upgrade package for the Gundam Development Project. The design philosophy reflected the specialised requirements of space combat operations, abandoning atmospheric flight capability in favour of enhanced space performance.
The “Fb” designation in both the fighter and mobile suit model numbers indicated the “Full Burnern” configuration, emphasising the increased thrust and performance capabilities of the space-optimised variants.
Appearances
See also
- FF-XII Core Fighter II
- RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern
- RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes
- Core Block System
External links
- FF-XII-Fb Core Fighter II Full Burnern on the Gundam Wiki
- FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb on MAHQ